Description:
Thought that the Luau 400 deserved it own spot on Locating Tiki. I hope some TC members can throw in some information about this place as it is very hard to come by. I believe it was opened in about 1957 by Harry Bloomfield. The curious name comes from the restaurants address (400 E. 57th St.) The Luau 400 had a Hawaiian themed floor show as late as 1972 as far as I can tell. One of the notable performers was Hal Aloma who also recorded an album at the 400. Here is a small mention in a New York magazine article from 1958.
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The Luau 400 at 400 E. 57th St., is another example of what we think the South Seas should be like. To enhance the atmosphere, owner Harry Bloomfield has employed all his theatrical skill to present tropical trees, waterfalls, and exotic birds as a background for the sloe-eyed waitresses, ukulele players, etc. A favorite with show people, especially for private parties, and one of the last ports of call for upper East Side theatregoers on the way home.
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With both an iconic menu and mug design this location has always made me curious as to what else may be found. here is an ad I found on the net and a mug from the collection of Scaraba Tiki.

I got the following note forwarded to me ages ago from an Asian-American woman I met at a party, but completely forgot to post it:

"I was talking to my mom today and remembered to ask her about that place in NYC I was telling your friend [me] about. As it turns out, I remembered the story all wrong. The place was called Luau 500 (or Luau 400). She thinks it was on E. 28th or so. My Uncle Tommy (Nishimura) was a bit of a local celebrity who sang on occasion when he was there. (Uncle Tommy was the one who had also had a bit of an acting career - an episode of Sanford & Sons, a couple of episodes of Hawaii 5-0, and the big movie he was in was called "Wake Me When It's Over" (1960).)

"Anyhow, I said that my mom won a beauty contest at the Luau 500. That's the part that was wrong. She did win a beauty pageant - Miss Niisei Sino - but it was not at the Luau 500. It was a local Asian/Hawaiian organization's beauty pageant."